Grand Old Pachyderm

Ultraconservative minister Reverend W.S. McBirnie was a friend and advisor of Reagan's in his pre-gubernatorial days. Even after Reagan was elected governor, McBirnie still kept in touch with the Reagans. As a token of their friendship, the flamboyant radio commentator arranged for the Reagans to be presented with a baby elephant from the son of the deposed King of Albania. Fondly calling the elephant "G.O.P.", the Reagans promptly donated it to the Sacramento Zoo.